This post is to explore how our culture precludes us from being fit and healthy. Now before you dismiss this; have a think. Are your family all fit and healthy. Do they play sports. Run, swim, do ultra marathons?
Now of course some of you will have families who are active. That’s not the point. Mostly, British South Asians tend to be inactive. And this is really demonstrated by a number of surveys, studies over the past few decades:
Health Survey for England (HSE): This ongoing survey often includes physical activity data by ethnicity. The 2004 HSE report specifically highlighted that South Asians were less likely to meet recommended physical activity levels compared to White British populations. The survey found that 32% of South Asian men and 43% of South Asian women were classified as inactive, significantly higher than the inactivity rates among White British men and women.
UK Biobank Study (2017): This large-scale study, which included over 500,000 participants, found that South Asians in the UK were more likely to report sedentary behavior and lower levels of physical activity compared to other ethnic groups. Researchers noted that both structural and cultural barriers contributed to this difference, including factors such as lack of access to recreational spaces, cultural norms around exercise, and higher rates of diabetes and cardiovascular issues that may limit physical activity.
The Born in Bradford Study (BiB): Focusing on South Asians in Bradford, this study provided further evidence of low activity levels, particularly among South Asian women. The BiB study highlighted that cultural expectations, including clothing norms and gender roles, often limited physical activity for South Asian women more than other populations.
Physical Activity in Ethnic Minority Populations (2011): Published by the British Heart Foundation, this report found that British South Asians were consistently among the least active ethnic groups in the UK. Only about 15% of South Asian adults were meeting the NHS’s recommended levels of physical activity. The report highlighted barriers like community norms, safety concerns, and fewer culturally appropriate fitness facilities.
Systematic Review of Physical Activity Among South Asians (2013): Published in Public Health, this review summarised various studies across the UK and other Western countries, showing that South Asians were less active and had higher rates of sedentary behaviour. The review also noted that interventions tailored to South Asian culture were necessary to improve activity levels.
Convicend yet? Or still in denial. Well, let’s talk about what is simply recommended in exercise:
1. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or dancing. This can be broken down into 30 minutes on five days of the week or split into smaller chunks throughout the week.
OR
2. 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as running, swimming laps, or fast cycling, if the exercise is more intense. This can be spread across the week, as long as it adds up to 75 minutes.
OR
3. A combination of both moderate and vigorous activity that achieves the equivalent intensity and duration.
Additionally it is recommended:
• Strength exercises on two or more days a week for all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms), regardless of the type of aerobic activity. This could include weightlifting, resistance band exercises, or body-weight exercises like push-ups and squats.
• Reducing prolonged sitting: Breaking up long periods of sitting with movement, as prolonged inactivity can have negative health effects.
And so, if we were to really look at ourselves. Would you feel you do enough. Why don’t you do more? What is stopping you?
We feel that South Asians in the UK often lag in physical activity, and it’s not just about “lack of time.” Cultural norms, family obligations, and a traditional emphasis on academics and career can sideline exercise as a priority, especially compared to Western populations. There’s also an underlying cultural hesitance—many still perceive exercise as non-essential, a luxury rather than a necessity for health. For women, especially, conservative expectations around attire and outdoor activities can make fitness feel inaccessible or socially uncomfortable. Combine this with limited culturally tailored facilities or community-driven initiatives, and you have a perfect storm for sedentary lifestyles. So, is it time for South Asians to confront these cultural barriers head-on and reclaim their health?
